The Kursk offensive boosts Syrsky's reputation, earning him the nickname "Butcher"
In the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, Oleksandr Syrskyj plays a significant role in two of Russia's most painful setbacks. Despite heavy casualties, his military successes have earned him a negative reputation. There were even whispers about his dismissal. However, that changed drastically on August 6.
Originating from Russia with family still residing there, Syrskyj now spearheads the Ukrainian army's advance in Kursk, a Russian border region. This is the largest foreign offensive on Russian soil since World War II, bringing new hope to the Ukrainians and suddenly making the 59-year-old Syrskyj a popular figure. Rumors of his removal surfaced not long ago. Appointed army chief in February, he hadn't exactly enjoyed a good reputation.
But this all changed dramatically on August 6 when Syrskyj's troops unexpectedly crossed the Russian border, capturing over 1250 square kilometers of enemy territory and numerous Russian towns. Following months of military setbacks, this successful attack sparked near-euphoric reactions among Ukrainians and put Syrskyj in the limelight. A high-ranking Ukrainian security official praised him, stating, "His ability to plan and execute this operation under challenging circumstances demonstrates that he's a significant military figure."
Syrskyj's relatives are in Russia
Like many high-ranking Ukrainian military figures of his generation, Syrskyj was trained in the Soviet Union. Born in 1965 in the Vladimir region northeast of Moscow, he studied at the Frunze Military Academy in Moscow. After being deployed to Ukraine in the 1980s, which was part of the Soviet Union at the time, Syrskyj chose to stay in Ukraine following the dissolution of the USSR. He served in the Ukrainian military, furthered his education at the National Defense University in Kyiv, and held prestigious military positions. Three decades later, Syrskyj's language skills aren't flawless, and his parents and brother still reside in Russia.
When Syrskyj assumed command of the army in February, TASS, the Russian state news agency, approached his brother Oleg for comments. Oleg shared that he had no contact with Syrskyj and knew nothing about him. Syrskyj's mother Ljudmila is reported to have supported pro-Russian posts on social media. A popular meme joked about Syrskyj's motivation for the attack on Russia being to return home. This latest offensive isn't his first decisive role in the conflict against Russian aggressors: Syrskyj played a significant part in defending Kyiv at the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022, thereby thwarting Russia's plans to subjugate Ukraine within days.
"He strongly dislikes that nickname"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky honored Syrskyj with the title "Hero of Ukraine," the country's highest military honor, commending his "personal bravery" and "significant contribution to the defense of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity." In the fall of 2022, Syrskyj dealt another humiliating blow to Russia by driving them out of the Kharkiv region in the northeast. Ukrainian political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko sees similarities between this offensive and the current one in the Kursk region: both were "rapid, unanticipated, and unconventional military operations." Syrskyj maintains a low-key image, his communication style is straightforward. He keeps his personal life private. The military attests that the general is married and has two sons. Images of Syrskyj often depict him armed for combat, helmet and body armor, interacting with soldiers in trenches or laughing with them. After his appointment, he was accused of being insensitive to casualties, earning him the nickname "Butcher." "He deeply resents that nickname, and it's completely inaccurate," asserts a Ukrainian official. Syrskyj is determined to minimize casualties. "He's stern but being a commander involves being harsh."
Syrskyj's family ties to Russia have become a topic of interest, as his relatives still reside there. Despite his prominent role in the Ukrainian military, his mother Ljudmila is reported to have supported pro-Russian posts on social media.
The successful offensive led by Syrskyj in the Kursk region has further solidified his reputation within the European Union. His strategic victory against Russia has earned him praise from high-ranking Ukrainian officials, highlighting his significance as a military figure in the ongoing conflict.
